FIFA World Cup 2010 : My Prediction for the Final

Netherlands vs Spain

After 6 weeks of brutal matches (some what brutal to the viewers as some matches were a torture to go thrugh), we have finally reached the last game of the Fifa World Cup in South Africa.

The finalists here are Netherlands and Spain. Do they deserve to be here? Yes. Have they played the best football to reach the final? No. But they have played better than each of the team they have played against. They have deserved their victories in every game thus far.

Both these teams have the potential to play really good attacking football. But it seems their coaches has made it a point to the players that defensive suties are not to be ignored. Both played well in bits and changed to a higher gear when they needed the win. But they are capable of slowing down the game and frustrating the opponents as well.

The wealth of attacking talent on show tonight is immense. Villa, Torres, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Van Persie, Kuyt, Robben, Sneijder are all great attacking talents who deserve to be playing on the biggest stage of world football.

In terms of the offensive side, I think Both are almost equal. On the defnesive side however, Spain has not been really tested. Despite beating Germany and Portugal, both these teams did not play their usual brand of attacking football. They hardly troubled the Spanish defence. The Dutch however, have shown defensive strength, winnign all their qualifying games as well as all World Cup matches till tonight's final.

For midfield strength, I think Spain slightly shades this. Alonso, Xavi and Iniesta. Getting the ball from this trifecta is not going to be easy. For the Dutch to win this game, they MUST stop these 3 players from controlling the game. Pressing them and putting them under pressure so they will lose possession. The Dutch will not be able to beat the Spanish if they cannot get the ball. And this is what happened to Germany and Portugal. 2 attacking teams couldn't play their usual game simply because they were not able to get the ball.

If the Dutch can unsettle these trio, then they have a great chance of winning the game.

For me, I tip Spain to do just enough to beat the Dutch, just like they have done just enough to beat every other team.

Spain to win this 1-0 or 2-1, before penalties.

Although this game will be a battle of the midfield, I'm still crossing my fingers for some end to end football =)

Boodyboy, out!!!